Why 49ers’ G Andrew Tiller Should Start At Right Guard

When Forever Faithful talk about the San Francisco 49ers offensive woes it usually begins with the right-side of the offensive line. A unit that was once a strength of the team– the 49ers goons up front now find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they are now considered the team’s weakest link.

Let’s be honest. When the team signed RT Erik Pears from the Buffalo Bills and G Jordan Devey from the New England Patriots, no one was really excited about those moves. Two players who graded out poorly by Pro Football Focus, it appears nothing has changed in 2015, as those two players were easily the team’s Achilles heel in Week 2.

So where do the 49ers go from here? Despite many Forever Faithful wanting a household name, there are some within the organization who believe that practice squad RG Andrew Tiller may be the answer.

I spoke with a few #49ers defensive players who believe that G Andrew @BigTill66 should be given the chance to start at RG.

At 6-4, 324, Tiller has the size, strength, and power to hold his own under OC Geep Chryst’s zone-blocking scheme. But don’t take my word for it. “Tiller is strong, boy! He blows people off the line almost everyday in practice,” said one 49ers player.

Tiller, who was signed to the 49ers practice squad late last season — continues to be making headlines during practice despite not seeing game-action. And that needs to change.

Tiller is as strong as they come at the point of attack. However, his downfall seems to be in pass-protection, as he plays with a high pad-level at times, while losing his balance when setting up his base.

Nonetheless, there are many who feel Tiller can be a very solid guard for the team moving forward. “He proved it in practice so hopefully it will pay off for him in the end,” said one former 49ers offensive lineman.

Originally a sixth-round pick (No. 179) of the 2012 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Tiller will have no choice but to be patient for his chance to shine, as his opportunity may come sooner rather than later.

Ryan is the Founder/CEO of NinerFans.com, 49ers Beat Writer, Live Game Day Correspondent for Bleacher Report and member of Pro Football Writers of America. Born and raised in San Jose, he also graduated from San Diego State University. His work has been featured on NFL Network, 95.7 The Game, National Football Post, Sports Illustrated, FanSided Network, ESPN Radio, CBS Sports 810, and NBC Bay Area News. For more information, please contact him via email at ryan@NinerFans.com or call him at (408) 622-0996.

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